"Liberty is the possibility
of doubting, the possibility of making a mistake, the
possibility of searching and experimenting, the
possibility of saying 'No' to any authority -- literary,
artistic, philosophic, religious, social and even
political."

-- Ignazio
Silone

Guest Article:NO!by Phyllis Sisenwine

While enticing, many projects can distract from
your long-term goals.

Recently invited to join a
colleague on a big project, she complimented me by
saying I was the perfect partner for this
venture.

She also said she selected me because
of my energy and enthusiasm for everything I do.
She is extrememly successful and her comments
flattered and enticed me. I said I would consider
it.

I thought about the revenue potential, which
was quite good and how much I would enjoy
collaborating with her. We had a few telephone
meetings, and then set a date to get together. We
agreed on objectives that we would both accomplish
before our meeting. I was doing research and moving
forward with the project when I began to realize that
I really didn't want to do it. My vacation was coming
up and I realized this project would mean continuing
to read and research during vacation. And even
when I wasn't reading, it would be on my mind at a
time when I was looking forward to relaxing.

My
usual reading materials are business books and
self-help books. I thought, wouldn't it be great to go
on a vacation and bring the novels I've wanted to
read for a long time? It would feel great to relax and
not to have to think about the project.

Another
thing I started to consider was my five-year plan for
my business. Was this in line with my plan? Was I
on track? I called my colleague and told her I had
decided to say no. I suggested someone else who
might be interested at this time. The two of them
connected and the project is developing without
me.

It was difficult for me to say no. I don't like
to disappoint people. I did feel relieved after I bowed
out of the project because it wasn't totally on track
with my long-range goals.

I often work with
clients who struggle to stay focused on what is really
important to them. An interesting project that takes
away time and energy from what is really more
important for their business plan sidetracks them.
One client wants to sell his business in five years. He
was diversifying too much and accepting any project
that came his way. We worked on fine-tuning his
business strategies and he decided to accept only
projects that would increase the value of his
business.

Sometimes it is difficult to say no to a
prospective client, but it can definitely get you off
track when you say yes to everything that comes
along. Ask yourself before saying yes, "Will this
enhance my business or my life?" "Will working on
this project be joyful or stressful?" So often lawyers
accept cases knowing they will be difficult and
draining. Financial planners accept clients knowing
that the size of their estate is not up to their
minimum standards. Some projects are easy to say
no to. Most of the time, it's difficult.

As we strengthen our "saying no" muscles we want to
look at our values. What is it that we truly value?
Before accepting any offer, ask yourself if it is in tune
with your values. Do you want to improve
relationships or improve your health? Do you start
out with the best intentions but get sidetracked
because of all the projects and obligations that get in
the way? What do you have to say no to? What are
the logical steps needed to get you where you want
to be in five years?

It wasn't easy for me to turn
down this project. I like a challenge and I could have
made the necessary time available, but it wasn't
getting me closer to where I want to be. I created
space for something more in line with my values at
this time. It's important to say no firmly and
gracefully to what you don't want. So, the next time
you're offered a project or a new opportunity, first
pause, reflect and then respond. And if it's not on
track with what you really want to do, just say NO!

If you've been working your plan this year,
opportunities and options are heating up. Phyllis's
advice comes at a great time. As you are looking at
the options and paths that are opening up for you,
which ones truly align with where you are headed and
what you want to accomplish? More and more I
understand that there isn't enough time to do
everything that is presented to me. This week
choose to participate only in those projects that are
a great fit for where you are heading. Say "No!" to
the rest.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

April 28, 2005Empowering Yourself at
Keefe Tech Continuing Education

Do you feel
like you need to make a significant change in your
business or personal life and would like some support
to address these issues? Coach Andrea will provide
her 5-step program for gaining control of your life.
This seminar is scheduled for Thursday, April 28th,
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Keefe Tech,
Framingham, MA. To reserve your place, please call
508-935-0202 or go to http://www.ktconed.
org and click on "Health & Life-Style."

May 2, 2005Empowering Ourselves at The
International Association of Administrative
Professionals (IAAP)

Andrea will provide her
5-step program for gaining control of your life to the
Greater Boston Chapter of the IAAP -- the world's
leading organization promoting the education and
recognition of the office professional.
http://www.greaterbostoniaap.com

May 5, 2005Coach Andrea is part of DWC-
Boston "Meet the Experts" Roundtables

For
the end-of-the-year send-off, Downtown Women's
Club - Boston is hosting a series of roundtables
staffed by coaches and experts. Everyone will get to
visit 3 tables for 20 minutes each. There'll also be a
raffle of various items, services and products during
the changeovers between tables! There will be light
appetizers and a cash bar. Come join in for fun,
learning and networking on May 5th from 6:00 - 8:00
p.m. at the Long Wharf Marriott.
http://www.downtownwomensclub.com For
more information, contact
betsy.totten@marriott.com.

IDEAS AND INFORMATION

I was thrilled to be on hand to help my colleague
Suzanne Bates celebrate the release of her new
book, "Speak Like a CEO." A former news anchor,
Suzanne is now the CEO of Bates Communications --
a firm that helps clients develop and master
presentation skills through one-on-one coaching and
group training. To order Suzanne's book or to learn
more about how she can help you or members of your
organization master the art of speaking, visit
http://www.bates-communications.com. The
book is full of practical and inspiring techniques, and
Suzanne's style and approach to helping others gain
visibility and credibility through the spoken word is
second to none.

ABOUT ANDREA NOVAKOWSKI

Coach Andrea's Coaching Tip of the Week is
brought to you by Andrea Novakowski, Master
Certified
Coach who provides Business and Personal Coaching
to
Corporations, Businesses, and Individuals. Andrea is
a
professional coach who partners with people to set
goals and create momentum to produce effective
results in their business and/or personal
lives.

Andrea is available for individual coaching.
If you are
serious about reaching your goals and living with
greater fulfillment and satisfaction, consider using a
coach. To schedule a COMPLIMENTARY initial
consultation, send an e-mail to Andrea at
andrea@coachandrea.com.

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